The Timberlane Regional School District budget committee voted on Dec. 15 to forward a recommended proposed budget of $88,211,000 to the school board, after days of line‑by‑line review and debate over capital and technology spending.

The recommendation, approved 4–2, follows committee discussion about reducing the capital improvement plan and deferring some technology requests. The committee also approved three personnel funding actions: an extra 50 work days distributed across five special‑education facilitator positions ($26,232.69), a salary increase for a senior technology specialist ($21,847.49), and an increase in days for the district’s out‑of‑district coordinator (from 187 to 217 days; $17,038.59).

Why it mattered: Parents and school‑board representatives urged caution about further cuts. A letter read into the record from Laura Moll, an Atkinson Academy parent, warned that “further budget reductions would... lead to larger class sizes, fewer instructional supports, and the elimination of critical academic and enrichment programs,” and urged the committee to prioritize counseling, nursing, special education and mental‑health resources. Mary Anne Springer, identifying herself as a school‑board member, told the committee that if the proposed and default budgets “are nearly the same, taxpayers feel disenfranchised,” and pressed for clearer choices for voters.

What the committee debated: Committee members spent significant time on the capital improvement plan (CIP), including a previously removed $650,000 sprinkler line and whether some building‑envelope projects could be shifted into lease financing. Staff cautioned that moving projects into lease financing can change the board’s future discretion over timing and scope, and that deferring projects can raise long‑term costs. The committee also questioned whether a proposed intercom system (listed at $120,000 in equipment costs) and an associated subscription fee (about $70,000 annually) were urgent this year; staff said both are part of safety upgrades tied to grant reimbursement that requires up‑front payment. A $25,000 camera request was discussed as part of the same safety package.

Votes at a glance:
- Committee recommendation: $88,211,000 (motion passed, 4 yes, 2 no). The motion reduced CIP and identified line items for the school board to review further.
- Special‑education facilitator extra days: Approved (motion passed; unanimous recorded). Cost: $26,232.69 total to add days across five positions.
- Senior technology specialist funding (salary increase): Approved (motion passed; recorded with one opposed). Cost: $21,847.49.
- Out‑of‑district coordinator days increased (187 → 217 days): Approved (5 yes, 1 no). Cost: $17,038.59.

What’s next: The budget committee’s recommendation will be presented to the Timberlane Regional School District school board at its upcoming public hearing; the board retains authority to set the final warrant articles and line allocations. Committee members said they will circulate updated worksheets and that a meeting after the public hearing will be used to finalize formal recommendations to the school board.

Committee composition and process notes: The meeting began with roll call of committee members and included public comment and staff presentations. The committee repeatedly emphasized the difference between recommendations it can make and final decisions the school board will take, and members asked staff for per‑pupil breakouts and more line‑level detail before the public hearing.

Reporting note: The transcript contains inconsistent spellings for the district (appearing as “Timberland” in some places); this article uses the district’s normalized name, Timberlane Regional School District, based on available records.